This training yard has 3 very good trainers. Lead trainer Keith would get a 9.5 out of 10. Danny would get a 9 out of 10. Maureen would get a 8 out of 10 they each have great teaching points in their own ways. These 3 trainers made the training fun. Each Thursday they have BBQ day (Thursday is the day for DMV testing) and Keith is great around the grill. The forth testers name is Dan, he is very dangerous and in my opinion should not be anywhere near trucking students. My first day training with him on the town was aweful, he yelled at both of us in the cab and while I was in the middle of a turn grabbed the wheel and almost caused an accident. A couple of weeks later during a discussion with other students it was said that he did the same exact thing with at least 3 other students. I was told he was written up on multiple occasions but he is still a trainer.
The trainers do the best with what they have but the trucks breakdown often and this causes interruptions in training sometimes over a week at a time. There was one time when a mechanic was fixing an issue and slammed the hood down in high winds causing electrical lines to be pinched and some turning signals and other issues that put the truck out of service. They finally found a shop to take the truck in for repair and the truck was away for just under 2 weeks. This caused delays in some students getting certified. There needs to be 5 students to test before a tester will come onsite to test students. T h are were several weeks that there was not enough students ready to test so that delayed testing for at least 1 week on several occasions.
I give the trainers a 9 out of 10 for 3 trainers and 1 out of 10 for the aweful trainer Dan (if your going to choose this yard to get your CDL do yourself a favor and stay clear of Dan. Please don't mix Dan and Danny up as Danny is a great trainer and will take time to work with students and he is very patient and cares for each student.
I wish all the trainers nothing but the best and if you choose this yard you will get great training with that 1 exception.
Written about Waukegan, IL.
